Members, family and friends are invited to share in the Maundy Thursday experience at Clark Memorial United Methodist Church, 1014 14th Avenue N. The service will begin at 6 pm.
It was quite a tumultuous week for Jesus during his last days as he walked the earth as a man. The people laid down palm leaves and hailed Jesus’ presence during his triumphant arrival into the city of Jerusalem! Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week marking the final seven days of Jesus’ earthly ministry. Jesus then went to the temple, where He turned over the tables and threw out the “moneychangers.”
Later in the week, he invited his closest friends, the disciples, to have dinner with him in the Upper Room on Thursday, Maundy Thursday, where he shared with them what lay ahead. Maundy Thursday marks a recollection of events that have already taken place. It is at this time that Jesus gave his disciples a commandment to love one another. He expressed his love by washing their feet and sharing the last supper. “And while they were at supper, Jesus took bread and blessed and broke and gave it to His disciples and said, ‘Take you and eat, this is my Body.’ And taking the chalice He gave thanks and gave it to them saying, ‘Drink you all of this. For this is my Blood of the New Testament which shall be shed for many unto remission of sins,’” Matthew 26:26-28.
Judas left the group and went to betray Jesus. Jesus .was arrested, and Peter denied even knowing him—events foretold by Jesus.
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Immediately following Maundy Thursday, Jesus was then tried, found guilty and crucified. He was wrongfully accused, severely abused and dragged through the city. The cross that he was nailed to was then ‘raised.’ Unbeknownst to those who wept for him, this would symbolize his rising again on Easter morning. It was believed that he was dead and buried in a borrowed tomb to arise no more. It would symbolize all that he stands for, even today. Being crucified and lifted up and set between two thieves is symbolic of God’s grace and mercy—no matter the situation.
Jesus lives! “And, If I be lifted up,” John 12:32.
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Palm Sunday worship services: April 9 at 8 am/10:45 am.
Maundy Thursday services: April 13 at 6 pm.
Easter Sunday services: April 16 at 9 am, Sunday School.
Maundy Thursday is an experience that is led by the Lay Servants of Clark Memorial UMC.
For more information, call 615-329-4464. Clark Memorial is located at 1014 14th Ave. N., and the senior pastor is Rev. Dr. Herbert Lester, Jr.
